Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for authorizing automated value transfers from an account available to users who do not have a pre-existing trust, business or financial relationship. In an embodiment of the present invention, a Sender at a first location purchases a PIN Card at a point of sale, such as a retail location or a bank teller. The Sender contacts an intended Recipient at a remote location and discloses a Transfer PIN associated with the PIN Card, as well as the amount being transferred, to that intended Recipient. The Recipient needs only the Transfer PIN and a Cash Card to receive the money transfer at a participating remote location. To receive the value associated with the PIN Card, the Recipient inserts or swipes the Cash Card at an ATM and enters the Transfer PIN. An authorization system then authorizes the dispensing unit to dispense that value amount.

Abstract: Inhalation device and associated method for facilitating inhalation by a patient of powder medicaments contained in a receptacle. The inhalation device has a chamber for receiving the receptacle. A ring is circumferentially coupled to an inner surface of the chamber to achieve a higher reproducible emitted dose of medicament from the receptacle. The inhalation device also includes an improved implement for puncturing the receptacle, requiring less force and experiencing fewer failures.

Abstract: Sustained-release microparticle composition. The microparticle composition can be formulated to provide multi-phasic release. In one aspect, the composition includes microparticles having more than one rate of release. In another aspect, the composition includes microparticles that exhibit diffusional release and microparticles that exhibit biodegradation release.

Abstract: Polycation bioconjugates and a method for producing them. The polycations are capable of transporting active substances of different types. The polycations function as carrier molecules that transport enhancer molecules, thereby enhancing the biological effectiveness of the transported molecules. The polycation bioconjugates of the present invention may inhibit malignant cell proliferation, possess antimicrobial effect, or be configured for gene transport.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for filtering and drying a product. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises a container having a plurality of porous walls and a plurality of solid walls that divide the container into a plurality of product chambers, a plurality of vacuum chambers, and, preferably, a plurality of heat transfer chambers. Each product chamber shares at least one porous wall with an adjacent vacuum chamber. Each product chamber preferably shares at least one solid wall with an adjacent heat transfer chamber. According to the method of the present invention, a product is introduced into the product chambers, where the product is held while a substance is filtered from the product through the porous walls and the product is dried by reducing the pressure in the vacuum chambers and the product chambers.

Abstract: System and method for exchanging intellectual capital. The present invention provides an exchange that matches buyers and sellers of knowledge and ideas. A reputation rating system is provided so that buyers (i.e., clients) can obtain the highest average quality of response at a given price. When a job is posted by a client, it is first shown to the highest rated sellers (members of the exchange). As time passes, lower rated members are shown the job until the quota of responses or the deadline is reached.

Abstract: Topical compositions which include urea and an antimicrobial agent, particularly sulfacetamide or metronidazole, are described. Sulfacetamide compositions further including sulfur are also described. Methods for treating dermatological disorders using the compositions are also described.

Abstract: Copolymers of lactide and glycolide with high glycolide content. The average glycolate block length is less then about 3, which allows the copolymer to be soluble in slightly polar solvents such as methylene chloride.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing RF shielding for performing nuclear magnetic resonance (“NMR”) procedures, comprising a radio-opaque holder in combination with radio-opaque magnet components to form an RF shield around a patient undergoing an NMR procedure. In embodiments, a radio-opaque holder having a radio-opaque bottom portion and a radio-opaque canopy is adjoined to an NMR magnet having a radio-opaque cryostat and a radio-opaque service end cap to form an RF shield. A patient is placed on a patient support unit located in the holder bottom portion. The patient support unit, including the patient, is then inserted into the cavity of the NMR magnet and a canopy is placed on top of the bottom portion of the holder. An RF shield is thus created comprising the canopy, the bottom portion, the cryostat of the magnet, and an end cap on the service end of the magnet.

Abstract: Topical compositions which include urea and an antimicrobial agent, particularly sulfacetamide, are described. Sulfacetamide compositions further including sulfur are also described. Methods for treating dermatological disorders using the compositions are also described.

Abstract: Inhaler and associated method for facilitating inhalation of dry powder medicaments by a patient. The inhaler is light and compact, allowing for convenient storage and portability by a patient. Additionally, a minimal number of steps are required by the patient to use the device from start to finish. The inhaler is self-contained, being provided to the patient with medicament having been pre-stored in a powder chamber. Upon release from this chamber, an accurate dosage of the dry powder medicament is available for inhalation. The inhaler may simply be disposed of following use.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing dry particles. Two liquid components are combined in a static mixer, atomized into droplets, and the droplets dried to form dry particles. Use of the static mixer enables incompatible liquid components to be rapidly and homogeneously combined. The present invention optimizes process conditions for increasing and controlling particle porosity. The present invention also allows for optimization of particle size in real-time during particle production.

Abstract: Methods of treating fungal conditions and onychomycosis are described which include administration of a safe and effective amount of urea in a topical formulation to an affected area on the skin or around a nail of a patient in need of treatment.

Abstract: A film-coated extended release solid oral dosage composition containing a nasal decongestant, pseudoephedrine or salt thereof, e.g., pseudoephedrine sulfate in a core effective to provide a geometric maximum plasma concentration of pseudoephedrine of about 345 ng/mL to about 365 ng/mL at a time of about 7.60 hrs to about 8.40 hrs and having two or three film-coatings on the core, the second one containing an amount of the non-sedating antihistamine, desloratadine, effective to provide a geometric maximum plasma concentration of desloratadine of about 2.15 ng/mL to about 2.45 ng/mL at a time of about 4.0 hours to about 4.5 hours, and use of the composition for treating patients showing the signs and symptoms associated with allergic and/or inflammatory conditions of the skin and airway passages are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to providing systems and methods for remotely monitoring sites to provide real time information which can readily permit false alarms to be distinguished, and which can identify and track the precise location of an alarm. In exemplary embodiments, monitoring capabilities such as intrusion/fire detection and tracking capabilities, can be implemented through the use of multistate indicators in a novel interface which permits information to be transmitted using standard network protocols from a remote site to a monitoring station in real-time over preexisting communication networks, such as the Internet. A wireless network can also be established using browser encapsulated communication programs (for example, active X control, Java applets, and so forth) to transmit data packets which comply with any standard wireless local area network protocol.

Abstract: Topical compositions which include urea and carbamide peroxide are described. Compositions having a pH in the acidic range, particularly in the range of about 2.5 to about 9 are also described. Methods for treating dermatological disorders using the composition are also described.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing a precisely controlled amount of dry material to a container. In one embodiment, a system is provided for automated container filling. The system includes a container handling mechanism that includes a container block defining a container receptacle, and a cap carrier defining a cap receptacle. The system also includes a dosing portion having a dosing plate defining a dosing hole. The dosing plate is movable between two positions so that when the dosing plate is in the first position the dosing hole is positioned to receive a dose of powder. When the dosing plate is in the second position, the dosing hole is positioned to dispense the dose of powder into the container receptacle.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus and method for processing telephone numbers that assists telephone subscribers in reaching the desired destination when the area code is unknown or has changed. The invention can be integrated into a telephone unit, implemented as a stand-alone device connected to the subscriber's telephone line (including wireless, cable-TV lines, and other modes of telecommunication), implemented as a utility on a personal computer that may or may not be connected to the Internet or to a telephone line, or implemented as part of the telephone switching system. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus for processing telephone numbers includes an area code processor and a caller interface. The area code processor has means, which are responsive to information about the called party, for producing a list of telephone numbers.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for preparing microparticles using in-line solvent extraction. An emulsion is formed by combining two phases in a static mixer. The emulsion is combined with an extraction liquid in a blending static mixer. The outflow of the blending static mixer is combined with additional extraction liquid. The additional extraction liquid and the outflow of the blending static mixer can be combined in a vessel, or through the use of a static mixer manifold that includes a plurality of static mixers.

Abstract: A method for producing a shelf stable, high viscosity maple syrup product is provided, which comprises adding a sucrose-cleaving enzyme to maple syrup and incubating the resulting solution. Also provided is a shelf stable, spreadable maple syrup product with a consistency similar to that of clear honey, which may be used as a spread, or sweetener or a topping. Also provided is a shelf stable maple butter product, with the consistency of churned honey, which may be used as a spread, sweetener, topping, or snack. Both the spreadable maple syrup product with the consistency of clear honey and the spreadable maple butter with the consistency of churned honey are also suitable for use in pure maple-based products or other foods.